UPDATE TIME! Working on a couple educational video projects, one with the C.A.F. featuring the B-17 ‘Sentimental Journey’ and the other a very interesting look at Density Altitudes, for the FAAST FAA Safety Team NW. (Aside from actually getting to FLY A B-17) Some of the wake vorticity study we did recently was especially interesting:

Recently asked me to share some of my CB collection with you~ Unfortunately, it turns out, I know the subject all TOO WELL. These accounts are posted to serve as a reminder that mother nature is NOT to be taken lightly, and even though I have studied weather systems for nearly 40 years~ There’s always more to be learned, with every frontal passage. IN THE SKIES- around, through, or under them is NOT the place to learn about Convective (Vertical Build) or Orographic Development. In other words; *DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!*…

LESSONS LEARNED:Having flown gliders in New England, landed with ice, and even as a traffic reporter in Boston, observed in some of the worst 300ft weather imaginable… I wonder if perhaps all this experience had diluted my pilot “spidey-senses” when it comes to “go” or “not go.” The day the instructor and I saw building cumulus a few miles off the airport with a single ponytail of virga around 6,000’ (Hint #2) 20-30 minutes before it would be even close I figured, “No big deal. We can still squeeze in three or four T n G‘s,” and three minutes of actual consideration later, I selfishly committed us to one of the most death defying rides of an almost shortened-life;
…As soon as I applied full throttle to the little C150, the winds bee lined from 300 @ 6 (RWY HDG) to 14G22 out of 270, and almost full rudder was needed just to keep us aligned (Hint #3). Rotating into what should have been a 400 FPM climb, it just lumbered along as if to say “You sure you want go there?” (Hint #4). Barely climbing with an increasing groundspeed (Hint #5) the airspeed indicator dancing between ends of the green arc (Hint #6). How many clues does it take? “Down draft! My airplane.” Instructor commanded over intercom as we narrowly cleared what would be the edge of the plateau. Still flying … barely. We were now in that shaft of rain that seemed so far away (Hint #1). Ground-speeding faster still showing 60kts and trying to squeeze every vertical foot out of our violently pitching aircraft, it had gone from “pleasure” to “pressure” flight in 6,000’ horizontally in less than a minute.
On the radio three other aircraft squawking their displeasure at this sudden turn of weather, trying to race in below the cascading curtain. One pilot said “It’s like this for 100 miles… this is the alternate”. Tower, dutifully accommodated (while clamoring to amend the METAR) all of us in a controller equivalent of “All aircraft cleared for landing, any runway.” We positioned ourselves for a very short final for RWY30, then RWY26, then, cleared to RWY30 again-much like the winds now 19G32 teetering between 270 & 310 degrees with an occasional 060 just to keep things interesting. Two aircraft in front, one aside, landing like a carefully choreographed routine, one clearing the runway as the other would land adjacent… couldn’t have been scripted any better by trained formation pilots! Then it was our turn as the instructor, keeping power in, jammed the nose down and pointed it at the numbers. “Keep our speed up in that downdraft” she said. We spiraled down to a 45 degree final. Right before the threshold, we cut throttle and began a 5,000’ flare down the 6,000’ surface. Settling as gracefully as if driving over a small log, but alive and on the ground. Hands melded to the shape of yoke, braking together, barely, we made the last taxiway. Tower had already cleared us to the gate back at the ‘first’ flare. Lighting crashed; I later noticed how close the flash really was when I had to reset my blinking dashboard clock. That was close enough into the “mouth of doom” for us that day.

Always get the full weather briefing from approved sources EVEN IF “it’s just pattern work” Conditions change very rapidly near severe weather. In our case, the time it took to taxi and perform a run-up.

USE YOUR ADM. in a reasonable logical order, beware of “macho”, “complacent”, and “Oh we’ve done this A MILLION TIMES BEFORE” it can kill you… Wondering about limits and extremes is best served over a warm cup of vending machine coffee in the pilots lounge ~ Not while flying them.

If you’re ready to depart, and find yourself thinking; “Hmmm, SHOULD we, or SHOULDN’T we?” Chances are pretty good this is probably good time NOT to. the longer it takes to justify (like our departure) the less likely it is we should actually do it!

There’s a REASON to avoid severe weather by 20+ miles. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there- Inflows, outflows, sudden core shifts and even hail cascading out of sides of clouds …. Again, more fun watching from the ground than from un-expectantly IN IT.

LINK: to the VIDEOS PAGE and see some incredible cloud development shots!!!

HEADLINES

HB3176 HOUSE FINANCE REVIEW STAGE *LAST CALL FOR ACTION*

Concerned Washington pilots not out of the weeds yet…. This is your last chance for pilots, business and aircraft owners to comment on the proposed aviation excise tax. Enacting Section 10 of House Bill 3176 will result in Washington having the highest taxes on aircraft in the nation. This will chase more businesses out of state, and make further reduce tax revenues used for supporting K-12, police, fire protection, and other essential services.

Because of State taxes (sales taxes and aviation fuel taxes) Washington already has the 5th highest aviation fuel costs in the nation. The cost of collecting the aviation excise tax is very high. The Fiscal Note projects that 13% of the projected revenue would be expended in the first year, and that 8% of the projected revenue would be spent in tax collections annually thereafter. If projected revenue is optimistic, as quite likely because of many factors excluded from the fiscal note, the cost of collecting the tax as a proportion of State revenues will be much higher and little “new” revenue to the state will result. Instead there will simply be further increases in the number of State employees and the State will incur further financial obligations.

In OUR WPA chapter’s opinion; there will be loss of economic activity generated by general aviation. AOPA and others have estimated General Aviation generated in past years about $3 BB per year in economic activity in Washington. Since the current downturn began in 2008 economic activity has diminished by about 25%. AOPA estimated further reductions of 5-10% might occur if the proposed excise tax is enacted.

Pilots love to “Do the math”: 10% of $3 BB is $300 MM… The Legislature’s fiscal note predicts gross revenue from the excise tax will be about $9.4 MM. Even if the loss in economic activity is only 5% that’s still 15x the projected tax revenue. And the tax revenue projection ignores revenue loss to the State such as less B&O taxes from reduced business activity, the loss of sales tax revenues, loss of leasehold taxes, increased unemployment costs. The Fiscal Note also ignores the impact of reduced business activity, sales tax receipts, and lower fees on local government or on airport viability.

See linked discussions below for the impracticality of using “market value” in a meaningful way, and the likelihood of further increases in collection costs to resolve valuation appeals. All local and state pilots are called: Keep the pressure up! The House Finance Committee will send its bill to the floor soon. Monday is the last day that finance bills (read that HB 3176) can be moved out of committee. The hearings before the House Finance Committee were on Saturday afternoon two weeks ago… with about two days notice. Would anyone be surprised if the bill was pushed out of committee to the floor for a vote Saturday or even Sunday (late)? Av8News will be monitoring.

SECURITY ALERT: KNOW THY HANGAR

Your plane is safely secured behind the home folding doors…. Isn’t it? I mean you have a control lock-boot , door locks, maybe even a locking ignition cover? But do you really need to do all that IN YOUR OWN HANGAR? Apparently, and especially so, if you live on the “west side” of the state where one teenage individual is suspected in up to 30 thefts. Even better…. just lock it and bring the keys with you!

It’s a wonder this kid hasn’t killed himself (yet) with no apparent flight experience (other than the several aircraft he’s stolen over the past weeks, and a learn to fly handbook purchased with a stolen credit card). Most recently rolling a $400,000 SR-22 into soft mud off the edge of a runway during a landing attempt. It’s just a matter of time before this kid “gets it”, either from local law enforcement, the feds, or…. his own un-skilled hand. He already came very close by nearly flying into Vancouver Olympic TFR during one such “joy flight”. Pilots and airport personnel need to be be especially aware of their surroundings, as we all look out for one another. -ABC News

And, in an apparent “rash” of un-certificated flight this week, see THIS STORY on AVWEB regarding a 23yr who flew to LAX earlier this week.

Not all UAV’S are “Spy Planes”

Or so says NASA later this month, at NASA’s Dryden research center as “Global Hawk” is launched in an environmental study. Media Day is planned for Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:00:00 -0600 Reporters are invited to observe the first environmental science mission of NASA’s Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system at the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

ED NOTE: IF THIS STORY IS OF INTEREST TO YOU, you may also want to check out my friend Curt Olson’s site where he’s been involved with NOAA for years (to help study the “plastic island” and currents off Hawaii) Using a specially designed R/C “UAV”. He’s got some interesting pictures and documents, and what a great ‘excuse” to have to go ‘work’ in Hawaii, eh??? Seriously there’s some really cool news & info on there.

A NIGHT (AND VIEW) TO REMEMBER

THE WPA FUND-RAISER/BANQUET THIS WEEKEND atop the Comfort Inn (remember the Shilo discotheque of the 70’s & 80’s?) 923 E 3rd at 6:30pm. There are still a few tickets that will be available at the door, but if you are bringing a lot of people you should call and reserve dinners. The choice is Chicken or Beef. Speakers for the night include WPA State president John Dobson, multiple scholarship recipients to be introduced, a silent auction for next years scholarships, and “The QUEST KODIAK STORY” with Keynote speaker Dave Voetmann. Go to WPAs official Spokane chapter website for more info, and contacts. We hope to see you there!

AOPA assures “Suicide Flight” NOT your typical pilot.

This week, the aviation community suddenly found itself at the center of the troubling issue of suicide in America. As tragic and dramatic as this one suicide in Austin proved to be, those who influence and make public policy have a responsibility to keep this event in perspective. The fact is that pilots are a remarkably healthy group of individuals, both physically and psychologically. for more… http://blog.aopa.org/aopanow/?p=325&WT.mc_id=ebrief

-AOPA E-brief

AV8NEWS PODCAST: Tillamook Air “Northwest Classics”

The very large annual Tillamook Air show has changed it’s date & name this year; “Northwest Classics,” formerly known as “Planes Trains and Automobiles”. Check out the awesome poster. Christian Gurling, curator for the museum thought a date in the middle of summer (July31st) would offer a better chance of that elusive Pacific-Coast GOOD weather. And whether you are a pilot with classic aircraft, an exhibitor with a product or service to promote, or just an aviation and war-bird enthusiast… it’s a great deal, just $5 with proceeds going to the Special Olympics!

Event has been expanded, which is hard to do when you’re already in a blimp-sized hangar/museum. They’ll be flying them too! Not just a bunch of static, on display; AV8News speaks to Christian Gurling in this week’s podcast where we go in-depth covering a barrage of topics from aircraft restoration, acquisition, to setting up the largest aviation event that side of the Columbia. He also wants you to know; “…If you have any individuals who do express interest in setting up a booth at the show, please let me know and I’ll get them set up. In terms of vendors, they will be set up in 10X10 spots. These spaces will run the vendor $50.00 for the day. Pretty cheap actually.” (Especially when sources at Arlington are reportedly paying as much as $500 per day)More info? contact: cgurling@tillamookair.com

YOU’VE GOT MAIL!

Check your EMAIL. You should have gotten a message by now from the FAA regarding the March 31 Deadline for Replacing Paper Pilot Certificates

Pilots who have not yet traded in their paper pilot certificates have until March 31, 2010, when the paper certificates are set to expire. If you’re still using paper, don’t delay. Pilots can no longer exercise the privileges of their paper pilot certificates after the March 31 deadline. Renewing a certificate can be done online or through the mail, and instruction can be found at: http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/certificate_replacement/. Requesting a replacement certificate online requires creating an account with Airman Certification Online Services, which only takes a few minutes. Being registered can help you in the future with quicker processing of an address change or a replacement certificate request.

and speaking of “entering the digital age”… finally… what I’ve been waiting for:Electronic Notification of Airworthiness Directives
Starting March 1, 2010, FAA will no longer mail paper copies of Airworthiness Directives to aircraft owners and operators. You can sign up to receive this information electronically. If you have not already done so, go to http://rgl.faa.gov and sign up to receive electronic copies of Airworthiness Directives (AD) and Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins (SAIB). You can sign up by aircraft type as well as engine and propeller type. “This is an efficient and much faster way for you to receive important safety information,” explains Jennifer Fleming, FAA Information Program Manager.

Ed: also great from non-owners who frequently rent or fly other aircraft or take instruction!

* FLASH!*SSB 6603 passes Senate, moves to House

Senate Substitute Bill 6603 that addresses compatible land uses adjacent to public use airports passed on the Senate Floor. The bill now moves to the House and will be heard by the House Local Government and Housing Committee on Monday, February 22, at 1:30 pm. This is a “good” bill from the perspective of WPA, and should be on the “must pass” list of anyone who is concerned about the “ring of death” that develops around airports as unchecked development occurs. The bill would significantly strengthen the hand of those of us who resist incompatible developments (such as cell towers, wind turbines, hospitals, day care centers, residential areas, churches, etc.) around airports.

1. Since 2005 Washington has lost three public use airports. Incompatible land use around the airports was a major contributor to their loss.

2. The Longterm Air Transportation Study completed in July 2009 found that continued incompatible developments around airports is a major threat to continued viability of Washington’s airports.

3. Airports are an essential lifeline for rural communities, and an economic engine for large cities.

4. Local governments continue to permit incompatible land uses adjacent to airports. Residential areas, hospitals, schools, and other developments near airports reduce the long term viability of airports.

5. Airports are recognized in State law as “essential public facilities”. A network of well airports is essential for public safety. For example, Haitian airports are critical to saving lives and recovery from the earthquake. Airports in Washington are used for fire fighting, search and rescue, disaster relief, and medi-vac. They are key assets in the State’s emergency response plans.

6. SB 6603 has a workable mechanism to achieve land use solutions appropriate to the different circumstances of communities around the State. It does not use a “one size fits all” cookie cutter.

7. The bill must be sent forward as soon as possible so it can be enacted in the current legislative session

THIS WEEKEND: NORTHWEST CONFERENCE TIME!

Not too late to get in on the Northwest’s premier mid-winter aviation event! The 27th Annual Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show With Safety Seminars, the latest in Aircraft & products, anyone who is anybody in aviation~ and airport proximity for easy in and easy out. Complete description of events, times, showcases, sponcers, airport parking, hotels, etc….on the NAC OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.washington-aviation.org/

AOPA – Pilots sharing skies with UAV

Pilots ask Air Force to limit unmanned aircraft restricted spacePilots in North Dakota have asked the Air Force to limit airspace restriction plans for unmanned aerial vehicles to as small an area as possible. At hearings Friday, pilots said the restriction on a large area near Grand Forks, N.D., would harm the private air business and restrict people from flying in. ED: The USAF has begun similar discussions with other areas around the country as un-manned/remote aircraft appear to be meshing with the nation’s traffic flow.

-AOPA Aviation eBrief <aopa@smartbrief.com>

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FLASHBACK: THE ORIGINAL “METAR MAP”

Although *NOT TO BE USED FOR CURRENT NAVIGATION* this pretty cool interactive national surface map was the original template for today’s popular ADDS Service (Currently upgrading to the next generation, already) As you roll over the airports you get the current hourly METAR, plus a good “visual” clue as to the real time status around the country. Click on the map, and you are taken to a close up of the control area or region! (Now, we have JAVA and 9 pages of links from the ADDS site to do this…Submitted by former FAA admins programmer A. Gooding of Boston)

Like to watch lightning but afraid to fly thunder? New NATIONAL WX SERVICE RADAR “sees” between the mountains.. (As reported previously on AV8NEWS.NET) Soon, all radar will be transgressed to this “nex-gen” of Doppler.

Well, Keep the 3rd Wednesday in May free; looks like we have live guest speaker form the NWS to get us updated and help to hopefully help keep us out of the clouds. And for FAA (FAAST) “wings” credits too. Stay tuned.

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COMING SATURDAY:

Roll Out The RED CARPET: It’s the PILOTS CHOICE AWARDS

FltPlan.com announces the first annual Pilot’s Choice Awards. They want to know what you, the pilots, have to say. Go to www.FltPlan.com starting March 1st and make your opinion heard. Let us know your favorites in such categories as Best FBO, Best Tower location, Best ATC Center and more. The winners will be announced online in April.

02-16-2010 AV8News moves to its new server!

Below, you’ll find the archived AV8Newscasts… some of the links and images may not have made it through this migration process. We apologize for this inconvenience if any, encountered. We will be working to resolve any missing link/story/photo issues. You may also wish to update your bookmarks to reflect this new URL, and continue your AV8News service without interruption. This new setup will allow us to update in a more linear fashion, more timely posts, and serving the greater web traffic. You will also find several new topic categories over the next few days on the menu tab listed above. We appreciate your continued feedback, submissions, and comments. Special thanks to Amanda Emily for her assistance in configuring this new News Portal.

Welcome to the new AV8NEWS.NET

WEEKEND UPDATE: HB3176 appears to be on railroad track to Governors’ Office

Olympia: Airport-Adjacent Land Usage Bill Gains Regional Support

You’re invited! NW Pilot Safety Seminar @ Moody Aviation

Tillamook: expanding Aircraft & Hot-Rod show.

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HB3176 APPEARS HEADED TO GOVERNORS OFFICE

UPDATE from WPA/Spokane President-Elect John Townsley:

Although, most of the day was spent wrangling and posturing on the bill to repeal I-960. Testimony on HB 3176 was cut short because of additional testimony allowed during the I-960 discussion (repealing the Eyman tax limitation cap). Quite a large number of people were present. WPA testified w/ WAMA, NBAA, AOPA that the bill as written was severely damaging to general aviation and would have long lasting negative impacts.

It sounds like the intent of the bill managers is to get this to the Governors office early next week. I hear Tuesday as a potential date for passing the bill. It does not sound like there will be any amendments to the bill as it comes out of committee. I don’t think the House leadership wants to open any part of the bill up for discussion. The process appears to be on track to rail road this through to the Governor.

The fiscal analysis and estimated tax receipts fail to consider the offsetting loss of sales tax revenue on fuel, services, and aviation equipment, thus the revenue is overstated by an unknown but probably large amount. The fiscal analysis fails to consider loss of revenue to local government and to the State from loss of tie-down, hangar lease, and leasehold taxes. The fiscal analysis fails to consider or disclose the indirect impacts of the proposed tax increase on aircraft maintenance and support businesses, including loss of B&O taxes, reductions in employee FTE, and associated INCREASED costs to the State through unemployment claims. The fiscal note fails to address the short and long term impacts of reductions in income to the Aeronautics account and resultant erosion of the Aviation System.

John Dobson of WPA mentioned in testimony before the House Finance Committee on 13 Feb 2010 that the Aviation Division reports a decline in fuel tax receipts of about 25% in 2009 associated with reduced flying related to the recession. Further reductions in fuel tax receipts are likely should HB 3176 be enacted. Loss of revenue to the Aeronautics Account will directly impact the condition, utility, and safety of the 138 public use airports located in Washington State. This will have a negative impact on sales taxes, business activity, the State’s capacity to respond to disasters or to conduct SAR, and ultimately the quality of life and security of Washington’s citizens.

Might be timely to start writing the Governor’s Office to suggest this is bill is very poor public policy as written, and than Section X in particular should be vetoed should it reach her desk. Of course, all communications must be polite, respectful, and on point!

OFFICIAL WPA Testimony:

I am President of the Washington Pilots Association and I am the Executive Director for the Port of Shelton.

I represent over 1000 pilots in this State. I manage a marina and I manage an Airport. And yes, I am an aircraft owner. And I am here to oppose Section 10 of HB 3176.

First I would like to set the record straight. Not all aircraft owners are “fat cats” . . . after all I do work for a Port District. Second, there are no similarities between boats and aircraft.

In July of 2009 the Governor and the Legislature received the report from the Long-term Air Transportation Study (LATS). That report reviewed existing trends in capacity and challenges to the Washington Transportation System. They found a significant backlog in urgently needed maintenance, safety improvements, and other infrastructure work for public use airports in Washington State . . . the estimate is upwards of $300 million dollars. One of the major recommendations of LATS was to increase investment in the aviation transportation system to assure adequate capacity for the future of aviation and to prevent further erosion caused by deterioration and closures.

The real punch line here is saving jobs. To date the state has lost over 35% of its revenue derived from all aviation sources. If you pass the ½ % Excise Tax increase you will cause further degradation in State Revenues. Our projections indicate this excise tax will cost the State an additional 15% . . . And that means fewer aircraft in this state and fewer aviation related jobs!

Please Remove Section 10

I would add . . . The Washington Pilots Association would be happy to work with this (Finance) Committee to craft an appropriate fee schedule. We thank you for your time.”

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02-12-2010 AOPA tells WA lawmakers… wait just a second.

HOUSE BILL 3176
The negative economic impact of the Aircraft Excise Tax Provision
Washington House Bill 3176 would replace the current system of aircraft registration fees with an annual excise tax of five-tenths of one percent of the aircraft’s value – creating the highest registration fees in the nation for several types of aircraft. This increased burden on an already strained aviation industry will diminish levels of safety, efficiency, and the overall positive economic impact of the current aviation system in Washington, because:
 Aircraft tax liability will increase by 1,400% or more – forcing aircraft owners to reduce flying and, in some cases, sell their aircraft outright. Less aircraft based in state and less flying = less state revenue from fuel taxes, existing registration fees, and other taxes.
 Private individuals, air ambulances, search-and-rescue operators, flight schools, small businesses, charitable organizations, and agricultural operators would decrease number of hours flown, citizens served, and levels of commercial activity.
 Washington will lose aircraft, businesses and associated economic activity to other states with more competitive tax environments. 25 states have no registration fees at all – including states with the highest per-capita aviation economic contributions in the nation.
 Responsibility for enforcement falls on the already overburdened WSDOT Aviation. Even as the bill strips WSDOT of the income from the current aircraft registration fees and sends the money to the State’s General Fund, it would assign them this hugely expensive enforcement responsibility.
General Aviation alone (all flying other than airlines and military) currently contributes approximately $3.1 billion to the state economy per annum and supports over 7,600 jobs. While we understand the search for additional short-term revenue in the current budget environment, it is important to recognize the potential negative economic impact and the resultant actual overall net loss in revenue from a proposal of this nature. We, therefore, urge you to oppose adoption of Washington House Bill 3176 to protect the vitality of general aviation and the state economy.- The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is a national a not-for-profit membership organization that represents over 12,200 citizens of Washington. Since 1939, AOPA has been committed to ensuring the safety, future viability, and development of general aviation airports and their facilities as an integral part of our national transportation system. (www.aopa.org)

Remember: Olympic Sized Flight-Restrictions now in effect!

Specific instructions and restrictions available at http://tfr.faa.gov . Pilots advised to local Flight Service Station at 1-800-WX-BRIEF.

MOODY AVIATION SAFETY SEMINAR COMING

Good day WA Pilots. We at Moody Aviation are once again hosting an aviation safety seminar on Monday and Tuesday March 8 – 9, 2010 which is open to the public. Any who might be interested come join us for all or portions. Includes: test pilot Russell O’Quinn in“Live to the Limit.” Alan Davis, Gregg Simpson and Steve Quigg sharing “The Nuts and Bolts of Safety” ranging from traffic, accident studies, security and Vg diagrams.

PROTECTING OUR AIRPORTS “SAFETY ZONES”

Legislation is afoot to re-classify in some cases, and establish property usage rights within “Airport Zones” around the state. The bill under discussion is SSB 6603, in which airport owners and operators could have a significant impact in protecting their operations from encroachment associated with ‘undesirable’ land uses.

Often, airport operators see the second stage where land is being cleared, and are understandably frustrated with development within flight operation zones. SSB 6603 would require local governments to restrict such uses as they develop or update comprehensive plans. Furthermore, it will provide WSDOT with the authority to establish rules (Washington Administrative Code) to serve as guidelines for local governments in the development of comprehensive plans. Growth Hearing Boards would take notice of the rules and guidance provided by WSDOT and CTED as well as the statute.

SSB 6603 would strengthen the hand of WSDOT, CTED and the Growth Hearing Boards, as well as airports, to defend against encroachment… not “prohibit” encroachment. Airports would still have to defend their own interests, but may find greater ally at the Hearing Boards.

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WA. Legislator Responds To Need For Tax Initiative

In a letter response to EAA released to the WPA, WA STATERepresentative Sam Hunt clearly outlines the intent of the new tax proposal:

” ….In 1949 the legislature set up differently structured taxes on airplanes and boats, but at the same level. The airplane tax was done as a specific dollar amount, and then for 60 years never adjusted for i nflation. The proposal in HB 3176 is to reset the tax for airplanes at the same level as boats – one half of one percent of value. This returns the tax to the legislature’s original intent – the same as the level on boats. There is no intent to damage general aviation.

The commission comments were that “the Legislature should consider whether excise fees should be raised and whether the level…should more closely correspond to the Legislature’s apparent original intent of approximately one percent of value.”

WPA Spokane Chapter President-Elect J. Townsley Responds:

Thanks for your attention to this important legislation.

I do not have information readily available about the relative value of boats and aircraft in 1949. I don’t believe that relative values of boats and aircraft in 1949 is relevant to the situation aviation in Washington faces today.

A comparison of taxes applied to boats and to aircraft is like comparing the proverbial “apples and strawberries”. Just as apples grow on trees, aircraft operate in the air. Apples require long term investment to bear fruit. So do airports and the aircraft based upon them. Boats operate from marinas. They are restricted to well defined waterways, lakes, and the sea. Aircraft of all sizes and capabilities are essential to Washington’s economy.

Aircraft are used for search and rescue, disaster relief, medical evacuations, surveys, movement of goods and cargo, movement of people, and for personal transportation in ways similar to automobiles. If a boat fails to return to its berth are sent to search for it, not another boat. When a child or elderly person wanders away from a rural community, we use aircraft in the search. In many instances these services are provided at no cost, or perhaps just for the cost of fuel. Just last fall volunteers donated hundreds of flight hours during the eight day search for a missing Taylor Craft from Harvey Field.

Aircraft and aircraft owners provide significant services to citizens of Washington at no charge. For example, nearly 2200 young people were introduced to aviation around the State through the EAA “Young Eagles” program in 2009. Hopefully some of these youngsters will realize that they too can fly, and will grow up fill in behind one of the many military, air ambulance, and airline pilots who will retire in the next few years. Another selfless organization is Angel Flight. Nearly 300 Washington pilots and aircraft owners flew hundreds of Angel Flight “missions” in 2009, serving residents of our State. Angel flight transports medically stable patients from their homes to where they receive needed care – for FREE!

The 2006 State and Regional Disaster Airlift Operations Plan developed by the Washington Department of Transportation, Aviation Division would utilize privately owned aircraft to augment Government resources should a large disaster occur. Tasks such as for transporting persons and cargos to hard hit areas, reconnaissance, surveillance, and disaster relief may be performed by private individuals in privately owned aircraft. The ½% excise tax on aircraft cannot but diminish the pool of available private aircraft to assist with emergency response to very large disasters. Recall that a significant amount of aid to the disaster victims in Haiti is provided by private individuals flying privately owned aircraft. The huge tax increase proposed in HB 3174 will discourage individuals from owning aircraft, or from basing their aircraft in Washington.

A few years ago the Legislature and Governor established very liberal tax benefits for Boeing Corporation and related commercial aircraft enterprises. Clearly there was recognition that the manufacture and use of large transport category aircraft brought significant social and economic benefit to the State. While the legislature was very diligent in protecting Boeing Corporation, it has shown less interest in the health and vitality of small businesses and individual users of the aviation system. Small airports such as Kelso, Goldendale, and Tonasket serve rural communities located at some distance from major urban centers. Volunteers, many of whom are aircraft owners, donate many hours to maintain or improve the airports – for the public good. Small airport Fixed Base Operators and providers of air taxi services have not received the same favored tax treatment. The proposed ½% excise tax will, instead of improving their balance sheet as was done with Boeing, significantly increase their fixed costs. Who will train the next generation of pilots when even more small flight schools close because they cannot recapture the additional cost of owning and operating their fleet? Moody Aviation based at Spokane Felts Field estimates the excise tax will raise their costs of operation by nearly $100,000 per year. Is it the Legislatures intent to eliminate privately held flight schools?

In July of 2009 the Governor and Legislature received the report by the Longterm Air Transportation Study council (LATS). The LATS report reviewed existing capacity, trends, and challenges to the Washington air transportation system. Among the findings of LATS was that a significant backlog of urgently needed aerodrome maintenance, safety improvements, and other infrastructure work exists on public use airports within Washington State. LATS also found that between 2005 when the study began, and 2009 when it was completed that three public use airports closed. Why is this relevant to the discussion of relative worth and taxation methods for boats vs aircraft? Because airports, particularly those that serve smaller communities receive substantial support from fees and rents paid by aircraft owners and tenants. It is also relevant because one of the major recommendations of LATS was to increase investment in the aviation transportation system. Investments are needed both to assure adequate capacity for the future and to prevent further erosion of capacity caused by deterioration and closure. The proposed several hundred to several thousand percent increase in aircraft excise taxes will diminish critically needed investments in the Washington State aviation system. HB 3176 would direct all excise tax receipts to the general fund. Currently 10% of excise taxes are deposited to the aeronautics account.

In summary, the comparison of aircraft to boats is a red herring, if you will excuse the pun. Aircraft subject to the proposed excise tax provide Washington’s citizens with many benefits. Direct benefits include eliciting substantial numbers of volunteer hours maintaining essential public services. Indirect benefits accrue from the jobs and businesses supported by the nearly 7,000 aircraft registered with WSDOT/Aviation. These businesses create wealth that is tapped by local communities to support their municipal or Port District owned airport. While the General Fund may receive some additional revenue from the ½% excise tax, the true increase in State revenue will be something less. Fewer flying hours means a reduction in maintenance and fuel sales. This will reduce state sales taxes by an unknown, but substantial amount. It will also reduce sales tax revenues received by local governments, causing impacts at the local level. Fewer flying hours also means less income for airport dependent businesses. This means a reduction in B&O revenue. Some FBOs have already let employees go because their business has diminished. Further reductions in business are likely should the excise tax increase be enacted as proposed. As airport businesses decline, so will local airports. As our airports decline, our capacity to respond to disasters, conduct SAR, and to create wealth through off airport business enterprises will decline. Boats are not airplanes. Marinas are not airports. Marinas are not a portal to the world. Every airport is potentially a direct connection to every other airport. Airplanes look for boats in trouble. Boats never return the favor.

The legislature views aviation as just another cash cow. Of the 36 to 38 million dollars in State taxes levied on the aviation industry in the last biennium, only about 14-15% was reinvested in the system. Contrast this to the highway system where all fuel taxes and registration fees are reinvested for the benefit of our citizens. There is a real danger that the cash cow many Washington residents depend upon for essential services, the cash cow we rely upon in times of trouble, will be drained of vitality and become just an anemic carcass.

- J. Townsley

02-12-2010 UPDATE: AOPA JUMPS TO CALL, in official letter:

HOUSE BILL 3176
The negative economic impact of the Aircraft Excise Tax Provision
Washington House Bill 3176 would replace the current system of aircraft registration fees with an annual excise tax of five-tenths of one percent of the aircraft’s value – creating the highest registration fees in the nation for several types of aircraft. This increased burden on an already strained aviation industry will diminish levels of safety, efficiency, and the overall positive economic impact of the current aviation system in Washington, because:
 Aircraft tax liability will increase by 1,400% or more – forcing aircraft owners to reduce flying and, in some cases, sell their aircraft outright. Less aircraft based in state and less flying = less state revenue from fuel taxes, existing registration fees, and other taxes.
 Private individuals, air ambulances, search-and-rescue operators, flight schools, small businesses, charitable organizations, and agricultural operators would decrease number of hours flown, citizens served, and levels of commercial activity.
 Washington will lose aircraft, businesses and associated economic activity to other states with more competitive tax environments. 25 states have no registration fees at all – including states with the highest per-capita aviation economic contributions in the nation.
 Responsibility for enforcement falls on the already overburdened WSDOT Aviation. Even as the bill strips WSDOT of the income from the current aircraft registration fees and sends the money to the State’s General Fund, it would assign them this hugely expensive enforcement responsibility.
General Aviation alone (all flying other than airlines and military) currently contributes approximately $3.1 billion to the state economy per annum and supports over 7,600 jobs. While we understand the search for additional short-term revenue in the current budget environment, it is important to recognize the potential negative economic impact and the resultant actual overall net loss in revenue from a proposal of this nature. We, therefore, urge you to oppose adoption of Washington House Bill 3176 to protect the vitality of general aviation and the state economy.- The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is a national a not-for-profit membership organization that represents over 12,200 citizens of Washington. Since 1939, AOPA has been committed to ensuring the safety, future viability, and development of general aviation airports and their facilities as an integral part of our national transportation system. (www.aopa.org)

R.A.F. “INVADES” SPOKANE

While Washington and other states seem to be shutting down airports of all sizes at an alarming rate, there is an organization doing a great job fighting to keep them open… and even opening new destinations in the process! The Spokane Chapter was treated to a night with members of the RAF. Not Prince Andrew in a Hawker, the Recreational Aviation Foundation.

Originally a few Montana back-country pilots started the RAF. The RAF is now over 1,000 members strong with recreaviationalists from ALL over the country, representing the backwoods, and turning their passion for the backcountry into a powerful national voice for preserving, maintaining, and creating outdoorsy airstrips across the nation. (Have you ever flown to a USFS strip? Did you know you CAN?) AND building new “runways”! Boasting the first time an airfield has been built in a national forest in over 45 years, they also have the unique honor of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Death Valley National Park to assist in maintaining the three airstrips in Death Valley National Park.

Speakers: John McKenna, RAF President, joined by Dan Prill, VP, and Jerry Cain, secretary-treasurer. They told us about pursuing the RAF mission in D.C. “This country isn’t being run by the senators …but the 22yr-old assistants; they’re making the choices. Many don’t know the necessity of airstrips for recreation, life support, emergency and fire services.” Examples include where aUSFS spotter plane ran out of fuel while controlling a fire near the North Fork of the Flathead River, and was forced to use a closed USFS airstrip as an only available option.

We… can learn a few lessons from RAF about keeping our backwoods airstrips open (think: Haiti and how their ONE runway is the only thing connecting all those people to much needed support). Like… Ryan Field, the RAF’s own airstrip outside Glacier National Park available to even non-members with prior permission. Contact the RAF at their website at www.theraf.org . Be sure to watch the video on the home page, or request a free copy!

Welcome to the new AV8NEWS.NET!

UPDATE: 02-11-10 (2357z)

*exclusive*WA State legislation responds to need for A/C Tax Initiative

Washington: Pilots rally against proposed Excise Tax Initiative

Olympia: Airport-Adjacent Land Usage Bill Gains Regional Support

Tillamook: NW Airshow Changes Date, Expands Event

D.C.: Feds unveil new FAR’s for sport/rec pilots.

Spokane: R.A.F. “Invades” Northwest

*THIS JUST IN* 787 SIGHTINGS OVER CENTRAL WA

The 87 is in flight… Taking advantage of some local M-VFR to do “pattern” work over Moses Lake, we know it’s not the maiden flight~ but thanks to unnamed sources at Boeing for sending us some GREAT SHOTS of the Boe-hemouth (arr arr) taking to the picturesque skies over the rugged NW. We think, with runways big enough to land a space-shuttle on, and plenty of open space east of the mountains (not to mention their boasting 350 VFR days a year) Moses Lake is a great place to practice flying maidens.

I’ll add these shots to the HOTWINGS pages in a few days, for now just ‘click on ‘em. – Screen-Saver Safe (TM)

FAA ANNOUNCES NEW SPORT/RECREATIONAL RULES

Federal Aviation Administration made changes to the FAR’s concerning Parts 43, 61, 91, and 141 Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft; Modifications to Rules for Sport Pilots and Flight Instructors (With a Sport Pilot Rating).

The FAA has adopted new rules to take effect in April. In the final draft (located at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-02-01/html/2010-2056.htm ) approved last week, “ The FAA is amending its rules for sport pilots and flight instructors with a sport pilot rating to address airman certification and operational issues that have arisen since regulations for the certification of aircraft and airmen for the operation of light-sport aircraft were implemented in 2004. These changes will update those regulations to reflect operational experience that has been gained since the original regulations became effective.”

- FAA FAAST/Blast

POLISHING “FROSTY WINGS” NO LONGER ALLOWED.

As of Feb. 1, 2010, pilots of large general aviation aircraft, air taxis, and on-demand operations may no longer “polish” frost accumulations before takeoff. “Frost Polishing” WAS permitted under FAR Part 91, subpart F and under FAR parts 125 and 135. (read the official Federal ruling HERE). The new rule cites 12 accidents where airplanes with “polished” frost crashed shortly after takeoff …

We are pleased to debut the brand new AV8NEWS NETWORK. Aviation news and the news MAKERS behind the wings, on a weekly basis. This shall include a worldwide podcast and interviews & discussion featuring pilots, operators, and more. Our first such “guest” Shall be Curt Gurling of Tillamook Aviation Museum, discussing changes to an expanded “Planes Trains & Automobiles” event now scheduled for later this summer.